Hello Charlotte!

Here we are, 6 months+ since my last post...checking in from Charlotte North Carolina!  The Opre family is looking to move up north, half-backers as they call us in NC... to get some mix of seasons again.  Some cooler weather will be a welcome change... the kid's might like it also.  Charlotte even gets a couple inches of snow each year - so they might witness their first snowfall in the coming months!

Viviana is now 2.5 and loves to climb, fall, jump, swing, slide, bounce, dance, and smile.  We have to put her down for naps around 1-2pm (challenging if she is not tired) and in bed by 9pm.  Wakes up around 7am, ready to go!  Little Ella just turned one and started walking full speed this week.  It's very cute and funny to see her wobble/walk.  Poor thing takes some shots to the head, either falling or trying to stand under the table, etc... so we have to watch for that.  Her hair and teeth are coming in strong... and knock on wood, no major UTIs in a couple months.  Ella's had a few too many infections and for unknown reasons... too many doctors visits and bill, and not too many answers.  Hopefully her immune system is developed and fighting them off.  She's a trooper. And they love their Radio Flyer Red Wagon!

Speaking of TROOPER, my wife is hanging in well and managing the kids very well.  It's certainly not easy between diapers changes, feedings, tantrums, naps, and catering to each one's needs... but she is handling it like a champ.  She rides her pelaton for an hour a day to burn off her stress.  She is looking forward to settling in to our new home...we are currently renting on Lake Norman until we find a place.

I am trying to keep off the "daddy weight", keeping up with the weight training and trying to do cardio when possible.  Also trying to play basketball a couple times a week too.  Business and charity keep me plenty busy during the day time.. and it's all kids once the 5pm whistle blows!  Was hoping to get down to the Eagles-Bucs game this weekend with dad and brother, but the Hurricane Florence is coming to NC and causing a disruption... not sure I can make it happen.  Parents are hanging in there also, they moved to The Villages... hope to get down to see them soon.

Checking out - live from Cornelius, NC!

45 year mark

Feb 17, 2018.  Many years ago, I would have never imagined what it would be like to live in these years...it was so far off in the distance.  But here I am.  45 years young.  I played basketball today, 3 games indoors, and felt good.  Takes my joints a little while to warm up, but I can still hang.  Maybe I can thank my steady diet of glucosamine and chondroitin ...who knows.  Probably isn't hurting though.

As I reflect on this birthday, it hits me with a little blur.  Sleep disruptions have been common of late, our little Viviana isn't sleep through the night (anymore) so we battle to console her in the early morning hours.  In fact, my normal bedtime of 12 midnight is going to be 10pm tonight...reluctantly expecting the 2:30am wake up call.  Other than the sleep issue, Viviana is great. Tons of fun, loves to play and smile, and loves her mom and dad.  As is Ella, now approaching 6 months old.  What a cute smiley little bundle she is, and will continue to be. It's great being a dad to two amazing little rug rats.  It's not easy...FAR from easy.  In fact, stressful is a word I would use here...as well as "chaotic".  Getting the call to rush to the E.R. to get Ella's blood re-tested is never a fun time, thankfully nothing major. But whatever - we signed up for it and we are lucky to be in the position we are.

I sometimes wonder how long I will live.  Most actuarial tables might have me lasting to 90 at the longest, probably less.  I think it's going to be 100+, but a lot of it is out of my hands. So if it's 90, I am half way done.  On my way down the hill I guess.  HAHA.  Man, life is short.  So much life to go, but so little left... can't dwell on it though...just trying to make the most of it. Hopefully long enough to show my family the way to live a fun-filled and meaningful life.

Since I last wrote, I was told I had BCC on my shoulder - a minor form of skin cancer.  So I had that removed, and just had the 11 stitches taken out this week.  Good thing I visited the dermatologist recently! The other major thing that happened this month - THE EAGLES WON THE SUPERBOWL!   I put that in all caps because it's nothing something that has happened often. They had a solid team, outlived all expectations, and were underdogs all playoff season.  Well, now we can say WORLD CHAMPS.  Feels good, being a lifelong Eagles fan.  I went to the last Eagles Superbowl when they lost 13 years ago and have watched every game of theirs for the last...lemme guess, 25 years?  That's over 400 games straight, and exponentially more hours watching them.  Needless to say, it feels good to see them finish it out for once!

Lastly, my wife and I celebrate 5 years of wedding bliss today!  Granted our day was not a vacation, nor a date.  It was a day spent with the girls at the park (twice) and ordering some food and eating at home with some champagne.  A nice day, albeit quiet.  Time really flys...hard to believe 5 days have passed since we tied the knot.

10pm - time to hit the hay.  Til next time... PEACE.